Telphone keypad with multidirectional keys

ABSTRACT

A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2 nd  key to double functionality of the keys.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of thepatent application having U.S. Ser. No. 11/189,957 filed on Sep. 27,2005. The complete contents of the above-identified patent applicationbeing herein incorporated by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED PATENTS

Design of the optical switch with depth and lateral articulation used inthe practice of this invention can be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,705,783, 6,853,366, 5,502,460 and 5,644,338 in which are hereinincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a switch to be used in mobiledevices where a limited number of keys can facilitate the same keyoutputs of regular full key QWERTY keyboards, and wherein the switch isslid or biased to the side to input a character so downward pressure inhandling of the mobile or desk top device will not actuate the switchfacilitating one touch per character text messaging is achieved.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Mobil and desk top telephones to date use an arrangement of 0 through 9numbers with the letters on each of the number keys arranged A,B,C,D,E,where to input a “C” an operator must touch the two 2 key three times.The keys are also of the compression type so if something is laid onthem or they are grabbed from a pocket an input can be made.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,235, Lin et al, shows a key that can be depressed oneach of its four sides to give an output.

Thumb boards to date used for mobile communications are eitherstandalone and plugged into other mobile devices or are built intomobile communication devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the primary objective of this invention when used in adesk top or mobile device to allow the user a QWERTY keyboard in a smallkeyboard where depending on key arrangement can be only three columns bythree rows of keys that if a key depressed will not give an input. Alsousing the multi position biasing keys as in FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 41and in FIG. 37 only one touch, or slightly biasing the key in onedirection, is used for each character, so in use to input the letter “C”you bias the character 7 key toward the front one time, decreasing thetime spend text messaging, dialing phone numbers advertised in letters,or text messaging from desk tops. This invention the letters are moreadvantageously placed in the more familiar QWERTY pattern making iteasier to input characters faster.

It is a further objective of this invention in rugged applications tohave an optical sensor with a sensing means for a switch position thatis not in contact with the switch interrupter being positionally sensedmaking the operation of the switch rugged and impervious to a strikingor operating force.

It is a further objective of this invention to have an optical sensorsense with lateral articulation to enable a multiple directionalselection of various computer or mobile communication device inputfunctions.

It is a further objective of this invention to reduce the number of keysin a more standard QWERTY keyboard, thumb board or other mobilecommunications device, and to allow a standard desk top telephone tohave a QWERTY keyboard with only nine keys.

Briefly, this invention contemplates having at least one key interrupterwherein the interrupter is banked by at least one optically emitterdetector pair with an optical beam there between. The key interrupterblocks or partially blocks the optical beam giving key locationdetection thus eliminating contact with the sensing means. The key canbe articulated in a lateral or sideward direction to vary the opticalbeam emission to the detector to input characters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be betterunderstood from the following detailed description of the invention withreference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a six key QWERTY keyboard with indicia on thehousing in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 1A is a view of a six key QWERTY keyboard with indicia on the keysin accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of a fifteen QWERTY keyboard in accordance with theteachings of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a switch having a key and stem protrudingthrough a pivot and sliding surface with force sensitive elements forposition, lateral and bilateral detection in accordance with theteachings of this invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a optical switch having a musical key andstem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with separateoptical position and sideward detection and a tension element forresistance in a downward direction in accordance with the teachings ofthis invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a switch having a key and stem protrudingthrough a pivot and sliding surface with force sensitive elements forposition and sideward detection with roller contact in accordance withthe teachings of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a section view through the a switch showing the key stemstarting into optical detection in accordance with the teachings of thisinvention;

FIG. 7 is a section view through a switch showing the key stem at a midpoint through optical detection starting to contact the tension elementresistance in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a section view through a switch showing the key stem throughoptical detection and in full contact with the tension elementresistance in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a section view through a switch with position force sensingelement and optical sideward detection in accordance with the teachingsof this invention;

FIG. 10 is a section through an optical switch having a key and stemprotruding through a pivot and sliding surface with separate opticalposition and sideward detection and an elastomeric resistance with a lowresistance sideward articulation ball mechanism in accordance with theteachings of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a section through an optical switch having a key and stemprotruding through a pivot and sliding surface with bi-directionalsideward or lateral detection and an elastomeric resistance with a lowresistance sideward articulation ball mechanism with pressure sensingdownward detection in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross section view of a optical switch having a key andstem protruding through a pivot and sliding surface with opticalposition and sideward detection and an elastomeric resistance in adownward direction beneath the stem in accordance with the teachings ofthis invention;

FIG. 13 is a section view of a optical switch in a depressed positionhaving a key and stem protruding through a pivot and sliding surfacewith optical position and sideward detection and a tension element forresistance in a downward direction beneath the stem in accordance withthe teachings of this invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross section through a computer or musical keyboardshowing multiple optical switches in accordance with the teachings ofthis invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial section view through an optical foot switch inaccordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a dual screen notebook computer with avelocity, acceleration, and lateral detection keys used in a splitkeyboard in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a section view of an optical switch with mirrors to directthe optical beam in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 18 is a section view of an optical switch with a serrated lower keystem to detect position and change in lateral position of the key stemin accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 19 is an electrical schematic of an optical switch in accordancewith the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 20 is an electrical schematic of a pressure sensitive switch inaccordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 21 is a section view of a switch with optical and pressure sensingelements for downward detection and low resistance roller for lateraldetection in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a keyboard with optical key detection inaccordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a keyboard with optical key detection inaccordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a musical keyboard with optical key detectionin accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating the keyboard functions with keystem and sideward articulation detection in accordance with theteachings of this invention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic illustrating the microprocessor section of akeyboard with key stem position and sideward articulation detection inaccordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic illustrating the elements of a typical opticaldetector matrix of a keyboard in accordance with the teachings of thisinvention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustrating the elements of a typical opticalemitter matrix of a keyboard in accordance with the teachings of thisinvention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustrating the elements of a typical pressuresensitive matrix of a keyboard in accordance with the teachings of thisinvention;

FIG. 30 is a isometric view of a switch having a key stem protrudingthrough an elastomer element to allow the actuating movement in amultidirectional sliding or X and Y direction in accordance with theteachings of this invention;

FIG. 31 is a section view of a multidirectional switch in accordancewith the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 32 is a section view of a multidirectional switch in accordancewith the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 33 is a mechanical schematic of the emitters and detectors showingtheir interrelation with each in accordance with the teachings of thisinvention;

FIG. 34 is a cross section of a switch with X, Y and Z directionalmovement in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross section of a switch with X, Y and Z directionalmovement in the depressed condition in accordance with the teachings ofthis invention;

FIG. 36 is a isometric view of a mobile device with a keyboard anddisplay in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 37 is a isometric view of a switch with X and Y sliding movement inaccordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 38 is an isometric view of a optical switch having a key and stemprotruding through a pivot and sliding surface with optical position andsideward detection and a tension element for resistance in a downwarddirection in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 39 is an isometric view of a optical switch having a key and stemprotruding through a pivot and sliding surface with separate opticalposition and sideward detection and a tension element for resistance ina downward direction in accordance with the teachings of this invention;

FIG. 40 is a cross section of a switch with multidirectional movement inaccordance with the teachings of this invention; and

FIG. 41 is a section view of a multidirectional switch in accordancewith the teachings of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which the same reference numeralindicates the same element in the various figures, FIG. 1 shows apattern of keys in housing 630 to be used on any type of device thatneeds a compact keyboard. Housing 630 shows multidirectional keys 634 inkey opening 632 with all of the alpha QWERTY keys in a regular QWERTYkeyboard but only having nine keys. A reference for a more standardQWERTY keyboard is shown in FIG. 23. The keys of FIG. 1 are not in astandard telephone keypad arrangement of A,B,C,D,E, where to input a Can operator must touch the key three times. Being very advantageouslymarked with indicia they are in the more familiar QWERTY pattern makingit easier to type faster. And using the multi position sliding keys asin FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 37 and in FIG. 41 only one touch, or slidingthe key in one direction is used for each character meaning if you wantto input the letter “C” you slide the character 7 key toward the frontone time. Further shown in FIG. 1 is some indicia is on housing 630 andsome is on multidirectional keys 634 allowing for the indicia on thehousing to be larger and more easily read. Down arrow indicia 636 andside arrow indicia 635 shows that this key can be used as a cursorpositioning key wherein the detection is further shown in FIG. 11, FIG.25, FIG. 36, and FIG. 39. SHIFT indicia 638 shows that the keys can moveand be detected in multidirectional positions also shown in FIG. 11,FIG. 25, FIG. 36, and FIG. 39. Further shown in FIG. 1 SHIFT indicia 638is a direction that you position that associated key in, then anotherkey and that key is then shifted, the number keys would also be shiftedto the symbol above each number. Further in FIG. 1 there is a 2^(nd) keythat when touched it can be used to change whether an operator inputnumbers or letters, or other functions depending on the application, itcan also be used to change certain keys to arrows for moving around on adisplay like down arrow indicia 636. In an application where the deviceis used mainly for dialing a phone number the device can have a menuthat enables numbers first, then touch 2^(nd) and get letters and itcould stay in 2^(nd) inputting letters until the 2^(nd) is touched againto input numbers. Or if the application requires letters first itenables letters first and touch 2^(nd) and get numbers. Obviously thoseskilled in the art can appreciate different functions as a result oftouching the shift and or 2^(nd) key.

FIG. 1A shows a pattern of keys 500 to be used on any type of devicethat needs a compact keyboard, pattern of keys 500 with one of the keypattern key 503 shows all of the alpha QWERTY keys with key indicia 501in a regular QWERTY keyboard but only having nine keys. A reference fora more standard QWERTY keyboard is shown in FIG. 23. The keys of FIG. 1are not in a standard telephone keypad arrangement of A,B,C,D,E, whereto input a C an operator must touch the key three times. Being veryadvantageous they are in the more familiar QWERTY pattern making iteasier to type faster. And using the multidirectional sliding keys as inFIG. 31, FIG. 32 and in FIG. 37 only one touch, or sliding the key inone direction, is used for each character meaning if you want to inputthe letter “C” you slide the character 7 key toward the front one time.Further shown in FIG. 1 is a SHIFT key, where you touch that key, thenanother key and that key is shifted, the number keys would also beshifted to the symbol above each number. Further in FIG. 1 there is a2^(nd) key that when touched it can be used to change whether anoperator input numbers or letters, or other functions depending on theapplication, it can also be used to change certain keys to arrows formoving around on a display. In an application where the device is usedmainly for dialing a phone number the device can have a menu thatenables numbers first, then touch 2^(nd) and get letters and it couldstay in 2^(nd) inputting letters until the 2^(nd) is touched again toinput numbers. Or if the application requires letters first it enablesletters first and touch 2^(nd) and get numbers. Obviously those skilledin the art can appreciate different functions as a result of touchingthe shift and or 2^(nd) key.

FIG. 2 shows a larger key pattern 502 for devices that have room formore keys and functions.

FIG. 3 shows a switch in systems that do not require the rugged opticalelements, shown with lower force sensing element 54 for depth,acceleration and velocity measurements flanked by left side pressuresensing element 50 and right side pressure sensing element 52 to bepressured by left force member 58 and right force member 56 when keystem 29 is moved or oscillated in the direction of lower lateral arrow24. Bilateral pressure sensing element 53 to be pressured by side forcemember 55 can be perpendicular to left side pressure sensitive element50 and right side pressure sensitive element 52 and opposed by a secondbilateral pressure sensing element 51. When the application necessitatesmulti lateral detection for input data to a host computer or the likethis arrangement of four pressure sensitive elements is advantageous.But any one of the four can be used when singular lateral detection isonly needed. It should be appreciated that those skilled in the art thatthere are different force sensing elements to name two are resistive andcapacitive either or others could be used, and in conjunction withposition sensing elements like hall effect sensors, magnet sensors andRF based sensors.

FIG. 4 shows a musical key 60 being used to position stem 61. Opticalslot 64 is made wide as not to attenuate second optical beam 38 enablingin the up down direction to be attenuated by optical slot top 62 in keystem 61, and can have pressure resistive pad 23 if resistance todownward key motion is desired. If another output function is neededpressure resistive element 23 can be pressure sensitive so when pressedsending other codes depending on the application. This is advantageousso there is only one optical beam per function facilitating lesscomputation, like a first function could be up down and a secondfunction be side ward or lateral for vibrato and other inputs.

FIG. 5 shows a switch in systems that is more rugged than the switch inFIG. 3 by having the addition of low resistant rollers for side wardpressure. Lower force sensing element 54 for being used for depth,acceleration and velocity measurements flanked by left side forcesensing element 50 and right side force sensing element 52 to bepressured by left force roller 68 and right force roller 66 when stem 30is moved or oscillated in the direction of lower lateral arrow 24.

FIG. 6 is a section view of a switch that has the elastomeric materialunder the key cap. Key stem 70 being pivotably and slidably received inpivot and sliding surface 19 is shown before optical beam 20 isattenuated by lower surface 17 of key stem 70. Elastomer pad 72 is shownprior to contacting pivot and sliding opening 75. Key stem spring 74holds key stem in an up position being restrained in the up direction bykey stem retainer 15 awaiting depression from an operator.

FIG. 7 is a section view of a switch with lower surface 17 in a midposition attenuating optical beam 20, and in first contact withelastomer pad 72. Phantom line 73 shows the starting or up position ofkey cap 71.

FIG. 8 is a section view of a switch with key cap 71 reaching the extentof downward travel of key stem 70 compressing elastomer pad 72 and lowersurface 17 further attenuating optical beam 20.

FIG. 9 is a section view of a switch that uses optical lateral orvibrato detection and a force sensing element for depth, accelerationand velocity. Key stem 76 is shown in an up position with optical beam20 being straddled by optical opening 78. Whereas when lateral movementis made by key stem 76 shown by lateral arrow 82 optical beam 20 isattenuated by the sides of optical opening 78 to be calculated byelectronic circuit as shown in FIG. 26 and flow chart in FIG. 25 to givedistance, velocity and cycle times. Pressure foot 74 will contact forcesensing element 80 when key stem 76 is in a down position. Pressure foot74 can be an elastomer of other spring type material. This isadvantageous to give better sideward or lateral movement control inapplications that want lower pressure for vibrato when in constantcontact with force sensitive element 80.

It is known in the art that FSR's have a force verses resistancerelationship such as 0.35 oz. with 10 ohms resistance, 3.57 oz. with 10Kohms resistance or otherwise a direct relationship, but the distance oftravel to obtain this resistance change is virtually zero. So it can beadvantageous to use an elastomeric pad to contact the pressure sensitiveelement and although the change in resistance is not as great, thedurometer of the elastomeric pad allows for more distance to be traveledby the key stem giving a better feel and protecting the FSR from damageresulting from severe force.

FIG. 10 is a section view of a switch in which key stem 84 has a pivotball 96 to allow full sideward articulation in 360 degrees. Ball slide98 slides up and down in pivot and sliding opening 94 as shown by up anddown arrow 88. Key stem lower surface 93 attenuates optical beam 91 inthe up down direction. The sides of optical opening 95 attenuatescrossing optical beam 97 in the direction of upper lateral arrow 10.Alignment surface 92 is nested in pivot and sliding opening 94 keepingkey stem 84 in a neutral position until key stem 84 is pressed in a downdirection allow articulation of key stem 84 about pivot ball 96.Elastomer pad O-ring 90 is shown to limit downward travel and to giveresistance to the movement of key stem 84.

FIG. 11 is a section view of a switch showing similar elements of FIG.10 but key stem 85 is longer and remains in optical beam 91 and crossingoptical beam 97. Optical opening 95 and crossing optical opening 93straddling optical beam 91 and crossing optical beam 97 unattenuatingeach until lateral articulation is started. By having two crossingoptical beams being articulated triangulation can be made to direct acursor or other computer function with a small amount of force.Alignment surface 92 as explained in FIG. 10 is optional depending ondesigner preference in as much as if alignment surface 92 is used thenan operator moving their fingers over the key surface will not allow anyattenuation of position, attenuation will only occur after depressingkey stem 85 thus releasing movement to allow attenuation. Then ifalignment surface 92 is not there then attenuation of position can be atanytime the key stem 85 is moved. Force sensing element 89 detects theup down key position with varying pressure from key stem 85.

FIG. 12 is a section view of a switch showing key stem 112 in an upposition prior to attenuating optical beam 108 with optical slot top106.

FIG. 13 is a section view of a switch of FIG. 12 showing key stem 112 ina downward position from phantom line 73 attenuating optical beam 108with optical slot top 106 and in first contact with elastomeric pad 110.It should be appreciated that key stem 112 could also have rollercontact 79 like is shown in FIG. 21 to reduce the lateral force beingapplied to key stem 112 while in contact with elastomeric pad 110.

FIG. 14 is a section view of a keyboard showing the switch of FIG. 6 inplurality. With key stem 70, optical beam 20, printed wiring board 118being housed in upper housing 114 and lower housing 116. Having aplurality of switches allows the keyboard to be used for variousfunctions as in input computer codes to a host, position a cursor, inputcursor left, right and scroll codes to a host, input Musical InstrumentDigital Interface (MIDI) commands for playing music, or input computercodes for playing music on a PC.

FIG. 15 is a partial section view of a foot switch or foot pedal havingkey stem 70 and optical beam 20 housed within upper moveable housing 120and lower housing 122 with pivot 124 there between to allow movement ofkey stem 70 through optical beam 20 wherein movement can be varied bydepressing upper housing 120 to vary the output resultant fromattenuating optical beam 20.

FIG. 16 shows a notebook computer with rear display 128 mounted in rearhousing 126 attached to lower housing 132 laterally adjoined by leftside articulated key keyboard 136 and right side articulated keykeyboard 130 which can be fitted with any of the key switches heretoforementioned. A separate mouse positioning apparatus is not needed becauseany one or more of the keys can have mouse like articulation heretoforementioned in delineation of FIG. 2 and FIG. 11. Lower display 134 isdisposed on lower housing 132. The arrangement of keys is split at apoint to optimize typing or use of the keyboard. This is also anergonomically advantageous of keys and display to keep your wriststraight, and if you are typing or playing music your referencematerial, sheet music, or the like can be placed on lower display 134 tokeep your neck straight and avoid looking to the side. Left sidearticulated key keyboard 136 and right side articulated key keyboard 130can in a fixed position or if the notebook computer is going to be usedfor travel then they can be made to retract over lower display 134. Inas much as FIG. 16 is presented as a notebook computer it should beappreciated that those skilled in the art could think of the notebookcomputer with very limited function as in just for playing music, orjust a split keyboard for use with a computer or musical instrument witha surface for reference material like sheet music or web notes.

FIG. 17 shows a different arrangement for directing optical beam 142being emitted from emitter 140 and being detected by detector 144. Usingemitter mirror 138 and detector mirror 146 both emitter 140 and detector144 can be surface mounted on printed wiring board 141 to facilitatehigh production assembly of the switch and or a keyboard.

FIG. 18 shows emitter 154 emitting a divergent optical beam 156 andbeing reflected by serrated detection surface 152 on the lower surfaceof key stem 150 and back through detector beam 160 to detector 158. Whenkey 150 is moved in the approximate arc shown by lower arc 148 thismovement attenuates the detector beam 160 and to show sideward orlateral movement of key stem 150. Downward detection can be made by theever decreasing amount of optical beam incident on detector 158 as keystem gets closure to detector 158, this downward detection can be madewith serrated detection surface 152 being a smooth surface.

FIG. 19 shows emitter 162 and detector 164 are the only electricalcomponents needed in a singular optical key switch.

FIG. 20 shows pressure sensitive element 166 is the only electricalcomponent needed in a singular pressure sensitive key switch. Thepressure sensing element can be but not limited to pressure sensingresistor or a pressuring sensing capacitor type component, and as shownin FIG. 21 there can be multiple pressure sensors to sense lateralpositions. And although only three are shown in FIG. 21 it is to beunderstood by those experienced in the art that more or less could beused to increase or decrease sensitivity in the lateral direction asshown by lateral lower arrow 82.

FIG. 21 is a section view of a switch with roller contact 79 to applypressure to pressure sensitive element 81 and to allow lateral movementin the direction of lateral lower arrow 82 by key stem 89 beingpivotably and slidably received in pivot and sliding surface 75 allowingthe sides of optical opening 100 to attenuate optical beam 85 beingemitted from emitter 87. As an option pressure sensitive element 81 canbe flanked by left pressure sensitive element 83 and right pressuresensitive element 77 allowing when key stem 89 is laterally articulatedroller contact 79 can apply pressure to left pressure sensitive element83 or right pressure sensitive element 77 to output a vibrato type ofoutput or a code or codes to a host. This is advantageous to allow lowerpressure on a key or persons finger when laterally articulating. Thewidth of the pressure sensing elements can be varied to better optimizeeither vibrato or computer key output movements. Pressure sensitiveelement 83 could also be an elastomeric pad like elastomeric pad 110 asin FIG. 13 when the downward direction is to be sensed by optical beam85 eliminating the need for pressure sensitive elements. Optical opening100 is a hole through key stem 89 with optical beam 85 there through canalternately be enabled after contact is made by roller contact 79 onpressure sensitive 81 to lesson any ambiguous attenuation of opticalbeam 85.

The downward direction can also be sensed by pressure sensitive element81 and in the lateral direction by lateral signature detection whereasthe rolling effect is measured and results to be different than asingular downward pressure.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the keyboard showed in FIG. 22 showing key cap12, upper housing 170 and lower housing 168.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of a keyboard showing key cap 12 and upperhousing 170 can have a plurality of keys for computer input to eitherplaying music or normal operation of a PC. The pattern number of keyscan be varied to match a particular application.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a keyboard with a long key 174 and upperhousing 172 with a musical pattern of keys. The number of keys can bevaried to match a particular set of notes or have a piano set of 88.

FIG. 25 is a firmware flow chart showing key detection and detection ofvelocity, acceleration and sideward or lateral key movement of akeyboard with a plurality of key switches. With a singular key switchthere is no firmware needed with the switch it would be provided by thehost device, this flow chart is to be used when a plurality of keyswitches are used on a keyboard. The flow chart is shown being genericand can relate to optical or proximity sensors or pressure sensitivecomponents.

In INITIALIZE ports are set to be in either input or output conditionsdepending on use, ram is tested, and start up sequence with the host ispreformed. At SCAN KEY MATRIX a scan is made to store a base line set ofvales showing starting point where no keys are pressed. A 100% number isassigned to each detector and is based on the baseline value so alldetectors can be computed and said to be equal, in applications wheremore precise calculations are needed for key articulation then alinearization would need to be done on each sensor and that value put ina table to be called when a percent of amplitude is needed. A scan ismade to check if a key has been detected at SCAN FOR KEY. A value of80%, this value can be changed to match a particular switch or keyboardapplication need, is used at IS DETECTOR 80% SENSED to see if a key hasreached a down or interim position signaling the end of detection orjust before after pressure will be tested, if no then a test is made fordetector being sensed less than 10% or not sensed at IS DETECTOR 10%SENSED, no then a test is made to see if the host is sending at IS HOSTSENDING, if no then a return to SCAN FOR KEY.

If at IS HOST SENDING is yes then RECEIVE HOST DATA, RESPOND TO HOST ifnecessary and return to SCAN FOR KEY. If at IS DETECTOR 10% SENSED thesensed signal is above 10% then COMPUTE ACCELERATION, by reading andstoring the first amplitude, compare with next amplitude and count thetime verses amplitude using a percent to equal an acceleration. ThenCOMPUTE VELOCITY in the same way using a percent to equal Velocity. TheMATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION to a key or output function and SEND CODETO HOST in a data string with key code being first and the second beinga data byte to equal acceleration and velocity. Those skilled in the artcan appreciate that three bytes could be sent, one for each function,key code, acceleration and velocity, or in a computer keyboard whereonly a key code is needed then only be one byte. These bytes can beeither PS2 codes, ASCII codes or a custom code derived for speed oftransfer over a standard PS2 link or other data link systems like USB,serial or parallel, or to the 31250 baud MIDI specification.

If yes at IS DETECTOR 80% SENSED a test is made at IS LATERAL SENSED tosee if a sideward or lateral articulation is being made. This is done bytesting if the side sensors have a change is sensed value. This testcould also be made prior to IS DETECTOR 80% SENSED and is advantageousin applications where lateral movement is made for other computer ormusical products like a mouse pointing device or for use by a handicapperson that cannot produce the force necessary to attain 80% pressure,or in the case of the musical instrument where lateral movement isvibrato and the vibrato is wanted above 80%, or to enter codes orsequences of code like ctrl+C for copy and ctrl+V for paste, any ofwhich can be programmed into the keyboard or computer to be recalled bythe keyboard lateral direction. If at IS LATERAL SENSED is yes thenCOMPUTE WHICH DIRECTION by testing which side or triangulate to see theangled direction; then LOAD FUNCTION EQUAL DIRECTION and go to MATCH KEYOR OUTPUT FUNCTION. If at IS LATERAL SENSED is no then test IS SENSEDOSCILLATING to see if the signal is changing, then test IS SENSED AFTER80% is no then go to MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION. If IS SENSED AFTER80% is yes then compute after pressure by reading and storing the firstamplitude, compare with next amplitude and count the time versesamplitude using a percent to equal after pressure. After pressure ismore commonly used in musical instruments when a key is held down, thenthe musician can press harder and get a louder note, or now with theever changing need for more function from a computer or keyboard theafter pressure can be equated and assigned any function code like amouse, key, or a series of codes as in ctrl+V for paste. Then go toMATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION.

If at IS SENSED OSCILLATING is yes then by computing a oscillation ofthe amplitude rising and falling at a rate being done at COMPUTEOSCILLATION and got to MATCH KEY OR OUTPUT FUNCTION where a data codevalue is assigned for the oscillation signature whether it be vibrato orother assigned functions.

FIG. 26 is the micro processor schematic for a keyboard. Keyboard microprocessor 200 has various ports under control of the firmware, one suchport 202 is shown labeled PH referring to Port H, these ports controlthe input/output of the keyboard, turning on and off the emitters anddetectors, and detecting varying voltage amplitudes from the detectors.One such input/output is shown at keyboard connector 204, others shownare for MIDI, FM, IR, MOUSE and USB.

The quantities of keys vary with different keyboards for differentapplications as shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 22 and in FIG. 24. FIG. 27 showsa typical detector matrix, and FIG. 28 shows the detectors matchingtypical emitter matrix, and depending on the number of detectors andemitters needed in a given keyboard these typical matrixes can bedecreased or increased to match the application. In operation PFET 220is turned on to give a positive bias to signal resistor 222 by outputport 221, at the same time NFET 229 is turned on to give a negative biasto the cathode of detector 226 by port 221. A voltage amplitude is thenseen over A/D resister 222 and at A/D input port 225. This voltageamplitude will then vary depending on the amount of light that isemitted to detector 226. The amount of light that can be emitted to thedetector is governed by the position of the key stem, one such is keystem 30 of FIG. 1. If the key stem or interrupter is not depressed thenthe majority of light from an emitter is received by the detector, thendepending on the amount of depression by the user on the key stemvarying amounts of light will be seen as voltage amplitude changes atport 225. Isolation diode 228 isolates detector 226 to maintain propervoltage bias.

In FIG. 28 PFET 230 is turned on by port 234 to give a positive bias toemitter 232 through current limiting resistor 231. NFET 233 is thenturned on by port 234 the give a negative bias to emitter 232 thusilluminating emitter 232. Using a matrix like is shown in FIG. 27 hastwo distinct advantages, one being a power saving in overall currentdrain from the host because the detectors are alternatively turned on,and two, isolating detector emitter pairs to limit cross talk betweendifferent detector emitter pairs.

In FIG. 29 it shows a similar sensor matrix as in FIG. 26 with theexception the sensors are pressure sensitive and do not need an opposingemitter matrix. In operation PFET 240 is turned on to give a positivebias to signal resistor 248 by output port 252, at the same time NFET250 is turned on to give a negative bias sensor 244 by port 252. Avoltage amplitude is then seen over A/D resister 248 and at A/D inputport 246. This voltage amplitude will then vary depending on the amountof pressure that is applied to the key stem to sensor 244. The amount ofpressure that can be applied to the sensor is governed by the positionof the key stem. If the key stem is not depressed then there is nopressure on sensor 244, then depending on the amount of depression bythe user on the key stem varying amounts of pressure will be seen asvoltage amplitude changes at port 246. Isolation diode 242 isolatessensor 244 to maintain proper voltage bias.

In FIG. 30 it shows key top 300 with indicia printed thereon.Directional X arrow 304 and Y arrow 302 show the X and Y movement, Keystem 318 protruding through elastomer element 330 is allowed to move inan X and Y direction, and staying on the X and Y plane can move at anyangle an operator would choose. Printed wiring board 322 retainsemitters 328 and 324, and detectors 316 and 312 which can have controlcircuitry. Key stem 318 has slots with an X center edge 326 and when inthe rest or normal position intersects X beam 320, and at anintersecting angle has slots with a Y center edge 310 and when in therest or normal position intersects Y beam 314. These center edgesintersecting these beams are advantageous to show the direction that thekey top 300 and key stem 318 are moving. If X center edge 326 is movedin one direction it starts to block X beam 320 more, if X center edge326 is moved in the opposite direction X beam 320 is blocked less. So bymeasuring the amplitude of X beam 320 the direction of key top 300 canbe sensed. The same is true of Y center edge 310 and Y beam 314.

FIG. 31 showing a cross section of a slim style of keyboard with anelastomer keys 340 being housed by a top cover 346 and bottom cover 356.Elastomer keys 340 being one piece and positionally retained to aresting position by rib 338 to maintain the alignment over emitter 332with a light beam 352 being received by detector 354 with anintersecting light beam 350 being received by detector 336 beingreceived by printed wiring board 358 that can have circuitry to controldetection of key movemovement. Having rib 338 isolates other adjoinedelastomer keys 340 so the movement of one key will not effect another.Elastomer key 340 when moved in the direction of directional arrow 347attenuates light beam 350 to show direction of movement of elastomerkeys 340. Illuminator 348 can emit a light beam 334A to 334B toilluminate a particular key to show depressed and or guide an operatorthrough a sequence of keys, or just be used to illuminate the keyboard.

In FIG. 32 it shows a cross section similar to FIG. 31 except that key360 is separate from key 366 being positionally retained in a restingposition by rib 364. It should be appreciated to those skilled in theart that key 360 being shown as an individual key could be fabricatedfrom a material other than an elastomer, whereas key 360 could be arigid material with a spring means retaining it in a resting position.Key nib 367 on key 366 can be used to facilitate movement of keys in alateral direction. View 362 at LEVEL 362A shows the emitter and detectorpositions as shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a mechanical schematic of thepositions of emitter 332 and 368 with beams 352 and 350 being receivedby detectors 336 and 354. With illuminator 348 emitting beam 344.

FIG. 34 shows a key and detection means to detect movement in the X, Yand Z directions. Key 428 is retained in upper housing 422 by snaps 424with spring 378 holding key 426 in a non-depressed position. Recess 428can be used to retain removable indicia. Slot 372 with a center edge 370attenuates beam 420 to show direction of movement of key 426. Elastomerring 376 gives a first stop for showing when key 426 has reached a firststop. Quad mirror support 390 supports mirrors 418 and 402 to directbeam 400 from emitter 404 to detector 416 being received on printedwiring board 412, and cover by bottom cover 414. Illuminator 408 withbeam 410 illuminates key 426 through key opening 374. Down position topslot 380 attenuates beam 400 when key 426 reaches first stop positionwhen elastomer ring 376 is in first stop against top cover 422, thenwhen key 426 is further depressed elastomer ring 376 becomes oblong andfurther attenuates beam 400. This is advantageous so velocity can besensed of key 426 by timing the time key 426 starts to attenuate beam420 and beam 420 until elastomer ring 376 contacts upper housing 422,then afterpressure is sensed from the continuing pressure and the amountof compression of elastomer ring 376.

FIG. 35 shows a cross section of the switch in FIG. 34 in a depressedcondition with key 426 lower surface 406 attenuating beam 400.

FIG. 36 shows a mobile device with housing 458 and display 456, and apattern of keys as in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32. Mouse positioning key 461having X and Y sensing can by triangulation using the beam 350 and beam352 of FIG. 31 can position a mouse cursor on display 456.

FIG. 37 shows a key 454 being held in elastomer 452 to retain key 454 ina resting position while still allows key 454 to move. Key 454 with aconductive lower surface 442 that when moved in direction 432 “T”connects printed wiring board traces 448 and 444 resulting in connectionof circuits connected to pads 445 and 443 that can be connected to acontrol circuit for detecting key 454 direction. When key 454 is movedin direction 430 U is connects traces 438 and 440 resulting is key 454movement in the direction 430 “U” direction. Pad 436 is used to detectkey 454 movement in direction 432 “I”, and pad 450 is used to detect key454 movement in the direction 430 “Y” direction. When key 454 is movedin a forty five degree direction then it would connect both sets of padsassociated with that direction. As in if key 454 was positioned in thedirection of 430 “U” and 432 “T” it would connect traces 448, 444, 440and 438 and show a forty five degree movement in that direction thusgiving a triangulation showing direction. It should be appreciated tothose skilled in the art that traces 448 and 444 could be differentshapes or sizes and still function as contacts. It should also beappreciated to those skilled in the art that conductive surface 442could be a carbon deposit or a separate and different material than key454 is fabricated from.

FIG. 38 shows a top surface 14 with pivot and sliding opening 13allowing key stem 30 to slide in an up down direction as shown by updown arrow 32 and pivot or be sideward articulated as shown by upperlateral arrow 10. Key stem 30 having an optical opening 22 with opticalopening top 34. When key stem 30 moves in a downward direction opticalopening 22 with sides that straddle light beam 20 and allows light beam20 to pass through until optical opening top 34 attenuates light beam 20giving the position of stem 30. Emitter 28 and detector 16 can bemounted on printed wiring board 18 that can have circuitry to modulatethe on and off conditions of each. Elastomeric pad 26 is disposed onprinted wiring board 18. When elastomeric pad 26 or tension element iscontacted by key stem 30, key cap 12 can be pivoted in a sidewarddirection. The resultant pivot direction of key stem 30 from upperlateral arrow 10 is shown by lower lateral arrow 24 and the sides ofoptical opening 22 modifies the resultant emitence of light beam 20emitted from emitter 28 and incident on detector 16. The clearancebetween key stem 30 and pivot and sliding opening 13 can be matched to ausers preference in as much as more clearance to get more angle of pivotto less clearance to get less angle of movement. At any time from whenlight beam 20 starts to be attenuated measurements can be made from thatpoint until or during resistance has been felt by elastomeric pad 26 toequal velocity and acceleration from an operator pushing key cap 12.From the point that resistance is felt measurements can be made that canequal after pressure optically, or the amount of compression elastomericpad 26 is being compressed optically. Tension elements like elastomericpad 26 can be made from different durometer elastomers or other springtype components to give the feel conducive to an operator's preference.After pressure can be plus or minus so if the operator presses harderthen softer the distance traveled can be equated to a computer functionor when used in a musical instrument a louder or softer tone or note. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the elementsshown in FIG. 38 could be replicated to form a multi key keyboard.

Elastomeric pad 26 is not a requirement to be used to detect the depthin position of key stem 30, in some systems it may just be a stop tostop the downward motion of key cap 12. If elastomeric pad 26 is notused depth can be measured through the attenuated range of optical beam20, velocity from a point to a point can be measured, and accelerationcan be measured because all measurements are in distance. This can beadvantageous for an operator to use position in place of pressure, as inmusical notes from a Trombone where notes are from the position of theslide, or for a handicap person that cannot apply a force sensingelements required force to get a pleasing output.

The tension element elastomeric pad 26 can be of the type used in FIG. 6where that elastomeric pad 72 is placed in the key cap 12.

When key cap 12 is pivoted or oscillated in a sideward direction lightbeam 20 will be attenuated by the sides of optical opening 22 and can bemeasured as a distance to give acceleration and velocity, thesemeasurements can equal a computer function or when playing music it canequal a vibrato effect. This is advantageous when oscillated to be ableto have music actually sound as if it was coming from an actual musicalinstrument where sideward movement of a musicians fingers affect themouth piece mouth relationship giving a varying intensity or vibratoeffect. This is also advantageous when pivoted by a computer operator toinput a function, like pivot the keyboard key to the left and get Ctrl+Vto paste, and pivot the key to the right and get Ctrl+C to copy. Whenswitch of FIG. 38 is used in a keyboard in plurality each key couldoutput the same code or sequence of codes allowing ctrl+C or ctrl+V orany other code or sequence available with any typing finger whileinputting data or playing music.

FIG. 39 having the similar elements as FIG. 38 with the addition of asecond emitter 44 and second detector 42 having a second optical beam 38there between being attenuated in the up down direction by secondoptical opening top 40 in key stem 31 and attenuated in the front toback direction shown by upper front back arrow 46 giving a resultantmovement in direction shown by lower front back arrow 48 by secondoptical opening 36. Having two emitter detector pairs bi-directionalalignment allows selection of computer or musical functions in fourdirections or by triangulation in multiple directions, and when theoutput is directed to a mouse port can give cursor control.

FIG. 40 is a cross section of a switch with multidirectional movementwhere pivot 604 allows conductive key 602 with a contact surface 600 toconnect to contact 606 when conductive key 602 is pivoted toward contact606.

FIG. 41 showing a cross section of a slim style of keyboard with housing630 of FIG. 1 and one of multidirectional keys 634 with a key edge 640that can be restricted in movement buy key opening 632. Key movementplane 642 shows the plane of three hundred and sixty degree movementthat multidirectional keys 634 can be directed for detection.

While the invention has been described in terms of a single preferredembodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

1. A keypad which can be used to enter numbers, alphabet letters, andsymbols using a plurality of keys where the key position indicia isarranged to mimic a QWERTY keyboard, comprising: at least nine keysarranged in three rows of three keys each where the three keys of saidthree rows are arranged in columns, said three rows constituting a toprow, a middle row, and a bottom row, a majority of said nine keys beingmoveable in at least two different directions from a resting position,wherein said top row of at least three key positions are used toindicate the at least ten letters of a top row of a QWERTY keyboard,wherein said middle row of at least three key position are used toindicate the at least nine letters of a middle row of a QWERTY keyboard,wherein said bottom row of at least three key position are used toindicate the at least seven letters of a bottom row of a QWERTYkeyboard, wherein said top row of three keys includes key positionindicia to indicate at least the letters Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O, andP, wherein said middle row of three keys includes key position indiciato indicate at least the letters A, S, D, F, G, H, J, K, and L, whereinsaid bottom row of three keys includes key position indicia to indicateat least the letters Z, X, C, V, B, N, and M; and a sensor fordetermining a key which is moved in a direction of said key which ismoved.
 2. The keypad of claim 1 wherein said sensor is optical.
 3. Thekeypad of claim 1 wherein said moveable is sliding.
 4. The keypad ofclaim 1 further including means to triangulate and output direction ofat least one of said keys when moved in an angular direction.
 5. Akeypad which can be used to enter numbers, alphabet letters, and symbolsusing a plurality of keys where the key position indicia is arranged tomimic a QWERTY keyboard, comprising: at least nine keys arranged inthree rows of three keys each where the three keys of said three rowsare arranged in columns, said three rows constituting a top row, amiddle row, and a bottom row, a majority of said nine keys beingmoveable in at least two different directions from a resting position,wherein said top row of at least three key positions are used toindicate the at least ten letters of a top row of a QWERTY keyboard,wherein said middle row of at least three key positions are used toindicate the at least nine letters of a middle row of a QWERTY keyboard,wherein said bottom row of at least three key positions are used toindicate the at least seven letters of a bottom row of a QWERTYkeyboard, wherein said top row of three keys includes key positionindicia to indicate at least the letters Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O, andP, wherein said middle row of three keys includes key position indiciato indicate at least the letters A, S, D, F, G, H, J, K, and L, whereinsaid bottom row of three keys includes key position indicia to indicateat least the letters Z, X, C, V, B, N, and M, wherein said keys areconductive; and contacts for receiving said conductive key fordetermining a key which is moved in a direction of said key which ismoved.
 6. The keypad of claim 5 further including means to triangulatedand output direction of at least one of said keys when moved in anangular direction.